Mac vs PC (or which computer should I get with tax refund?)

[Brooklyn Bridge]

Here is my question. I have a PC which is about six years old and has been acting erratically. I have been thinking about upgrading, but recently thought about a Mac.

PC
Pros-Price. I probably just need a processor and can get one for $300. But by the time you add in an OS and maybe a flat screen, that jumps up pretty quick.

Cons
I have to install the OS and update virus protection every year.

Mac
Pros--easy to use, faster than a PC and no worry about viruses.

Cons--Price. Base Imac goes for $1100.

That is my somewhat limited knowledge of computers. I'll let you sjers impart your wisdom. THX.

 

[Inky_Wretch]

You realize that you'd get a more civil discussion if you asked for advice on who to vote for in the last election, right?

What are you going to be doing with this computer? Just Web surfing and e-mail? Or do you need more than that?

I'm a complete Mac fanboy looser. But if all you're wanting is to hit SJ and check your fantasy leagues, then a cheapo PC is a fine choice. If you're going to use it for more than that, I think Mac might be better.

 

[Freelance Hack]

If you want to do any graphic design work, then you absolutely need a Mac. I have a PC at work with Adobe Creative Suite. Whenever I run any of the programs my Dell runs slower than a Commodore 64.

 

[Steak Snabler]

I'd go with a Mac just to avoid having to load drivers every time you plug in a USB ...

 

[cranberry]

I'm the only one in the family left with a (job issued) PC now. My 16-year-old daughter's school issued her a Mac and my wife just picked up the Imac, which she seems to love already. My daughter sold her on it and she's the most tech-savvy person in the house.

 

[User 1019]

Mac for me. My wife, who bought a PC laptop about a year ago, is already dropping hints that she wants a mac for Christmas.

 

[spup1122]

My PC's screen went out, so Doc and I are sharing one PC laptop right now. I use a mac at work. Next week, I'm getting a Mac laptop to bring home every night for work. I can't tell you how hard it is to go back and forth. Do you use one or the other at work? Like I said, I find myself looking for the apple commands when I get home because I've been so used to using them all day. If you use a PC at work, I'd recommend getting a good PC at home. If you use a Mac, I'd say to get a Mac.

 

[Diabeetus]

I used to use a PC until midway through college. Needed a Mac for some different classes I was taking. I loved it after switching over: no problems freezing up or getting infected with something, easy to share programs with others, simple to use/get it to do what you want it to do. Some people cite the lack of a two-clicker mouse as a problem, but it can be easily remedied by popping in a USB mouse. Unless you're going to use the comp for the most basic of functions, I'd go Mac.

 

[mustangj17]

I'd go with a Mac just to avoid having to load drivers every time you plug in a USB ...

I have a bottom line HP PC, and it doesn't make me load drivers every time and does a lot of cool things the MACS do. Just with different program names. I'm happy with it.

 

[2muchcoffeeman]

I used to use a PC until midway through college. Needed a Mac for some different classes I was taking. I loved it after switching over: no problems freezing up or getting infected with something, easy to share programs with others, simple to use/get it to do what you want it to do. Some people cite the lack of a two-clicker mouse as a problem, but it can be easily remedied by popping in a USB mouse. Unless you're going to use the comp for the most basic of functions, I'd go Mac.

Apple's current mice have built-in right-click support.

 

[Diabeetus]

I used to use a PC until midway through college. Needed a Mac for some different classes I was taking. I loved it after switching over: no problems freezing up or getting infected with something, easy to share programs with others, simple to use/get it to do what you want it to do. Some people cite the lack of a two-clicker mouse as a problem, but it can be easily remedied by popping in a USB mouse. Unless you're going to use the comp for the most basic of functions, I'd go Mac.

Apple's current mice have built-in right-click support.

But the clicker on my laptop does not

 

[ArnoldBabar]

You realize that you'd get a more civil discussion if you asked for advice on who to vote for in the last election, right?

 

[mike311gd]

You realize that you'd get a more civil discussion if you asked for advice on who to vote for in the last election, right?

He can't right now. They're being ... entertained.

 

[Gomer]

If you're not too knowledgeable about how your PC works, that's a big reason why it's slowing down. Mac might be for you because it's a bit more simple - less things can go wrong with them so long as you're not tinkering.

You can actually make a PC better by tinkering, but that requires either knowledge or a whole lot of experimentation and patience.

That said, if I had the coin my next computer would be a Mac anyway. They're purty.

 

[2muchcoffeeman]

They are purty. However, they are not waterproof.

 

[schiezainc]

As has been stated here...

If you're just browsing the web and checking email, go PC.

If you're doing anything graphics related, want reliability, go Mac.

 

[Brooklyn Bridge]

I use a PC for work, but more and more people I know are going to macs, whether the Imac or the laptop version. Converts say they will never go back. The local Apple store offers classes for a year for $99--go as many times as you like. So I'm hoping to pick up a skill or two that might be useful in a part-time business.

 

[GB-Hack]

You realize that you'd get a more civil discussion if you asked for advice on who to vote for in the last election, right?

He can't right now. They're being ... entertained.

Good lord, I love that song.

 

[expendable]

I've been a PC guy for years, and I work on a slow-assed Mac at work, but I'm seriously looking at a Mac when I purchase my next home computer. I never thought I would type that.

 

[StormSurge]

I've been a PC guy for years, and I work on a slow-assed Mac at work, but I'm seriously looking at a Mac when I purchase my next home computer. I never thought I would type that.

I was the same way a year ago when I was in the market for a new computer. A couple of trusted friends who work in the IT industry encouraged me to check out the Macs. I did, I was intrigued, did some research, took the plunge and I'm VERY happy I went Mac. I love it.